For any who have been blessed to have babies around, consider just how incredibly early they develop a laugh reflex, and connect it to a sense of comedy in happenings around them.
In the story of Adam and Eve, consider how shortly after the “birth” of self-consciousness they did something truly comedic: tried to hide from an omniscient God whom they knew well . . . behind a bush! It’s like a child pretending they are hiding from you by putting a sheet over their head!
It makes me wonder, in relation to my other post about suffering/tragedy being an inherent condition of existence . . . if comedy arose at the same time as a kind of “vaccine” to help us deal with tragedy?
The performing arts have long utilized the symbolism of placing comedy alongside tragedy.
© 2026 – SoulSequel
8 responses to “Are Humans hard-wired for comedy?”
I believe we are. If a baby doesn’t laugh at peek-a-boo, or one of my silly songs I sing to them; I would wonder if they are autistic.
Babies stare at me in public. I think it might be the color of my hair, so I always give them a little smile or make a goofy face. Babies will respond with a smile or a laugh each time.
@Gina
What do you think of the supposition that perhaps it is a balancing factor for the inherent tragedies associate with a life of self-conscious awareness?
@griz oh, like yin and yang. or tragedy and comedy? WE need the balance of both? You deep thinker you.
@Gina
I feel like I need water-wings right now! Had a mandatory day-off in central Nebraska with good wifi and bad weather, and spent almost 12 hours taking notes on some rather intense philosophical lectures!
BTW, I was in northern California for a quick pick-and-go just days ago (Sacramento to Redding). If it happens again, would you be interesting in privately sharing where you are and how to contact you as a possibility to us sharing a coffee some day, schedule willing?
I have always been wired to see comedy easily from a young age. I watched as my brother’s babies were forming a keen sense of humor. My nephew was fascinated with magic tricks at a young baby age. One time it was my turn to change his diaper and as I opened it, he said, “Duh-dah!!!” as if it was a magic trick that made shit suddenly appear. He was about 18 months old. He always had a great sense of humor. My brother’s second son was sharp witted with three word quips (like George Burns). He could get a room full of family laughing by a well timed three word quip. His third child was a girl who resembled Pebbles Flintstone. She was so tiny and frilly-pretty and cheerful, but she knew when to let rip with a well timed fart. She knew it was funny, too. My oldest son could say the most intellectual things that made you wonder how such a little child would know those 10 cent words. My youngest child could do impressions of people in a voice so close to who he was imitating that he could entertain a room from a young age. My family has always been full of quick witted kids.
@ladybarbara
It’s profound how early healthy process babies develop it. And without it being intentionally taught.
It’s like it’s there waiting; popping up almost as soon as there is the ability to articulate it.
@griz I am old enough to have watched people grow up from cradle to grandparents, and even to grave. I have seen the humor of each of them stay the same. The jokes mature as the people mature. Yet, sweet Dori, who now looks like Jennifer Anston at 54, can break up the tension in a conversation with a well timed fart. The baby who had the three word quips can now make his grandchildren break out in laughter with only three well timed words. The baby with the magic, he had magic all of his life. He died the same way. He was there, then suddenly gone. New generations of children are adding even more humor to family gatherings. They find what works and go with it.
Most definitely.
And the proof is in the response to tickling. The response is laughter. Not; get your fucking hands off me. We learn the subsequent response as we “mature”